Members of the USA’s Bakery Equipment Manufacturers Association (BEMA) and other leading international producers of high quality food manufacturing equipment from 50 countries are poised to descend on the inaugural Gulfood Manufacturing – running November 9-11 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) – to highlight cutting-edge innovations and technologies that will aid the productivity and business efficiencies of the Middle East’s burgeoning bakery sector players.

As the region’s bakery sector continues to flourish – with Saudi Arabia alone accounting for more than $4.3bn worth of bakery products according to Global Industry Analyst – a contingent of international associations and companies are aiming to capture a lion’s share of the growing regional requirement for state-of-the-art bakery equipment.

“With Gulfood Manufacturing so focused on manufacturing, we knew it would be an excellent gateway to growing markets for our members. In particular, the quick-serve restaurant growth and much-needed bakery support in the Middle East, Africa and Indian sub-continent are of interest to our members, who can bring the required automation and quality equipment to regional wholesale producers,” said Kerwin Brown, BEMA President & CEO. “By hosting the BEMA Pavilion, we are allowing North America’s leading bakery equipment manufacturers and ingredient companies to engage with food producers in new and important markets. BEMA members also recognise the opportunity and the importance of the developing food processing markets in the Middle East, Africa and Indian Sub-Continent,” Brown added.

Among the companies showcasing products, ingredients and solutions at the BEMA Pavilion are American Pan, Bettendorf Stanford, Burford Corporation, Hansaloy Corporation, KWIK LOK Corp., LeMatic Inc., Unifiller Systems, Topos Mondial and Shaffer Mixers & Processing Equipment. In addition to selling direct to GCC markets, BEMA members are looking to expand their business by engaging new agents and distributors that can sell and support their machinery and products.

Stewart Macpherson, Owner, Unifiller Systems, said: “The company will leverage Gulfood Manufacturing to highlight its product line-up of depositors, filling machines, transfer pumps, cookie extruders, decorating equipment and automated production lines. “This exhibition presents a unique opportunity to partner with key food producers in a lucrative market. With food safety, rising commodity prices and a focus on reducing waste always at the forefront of food producers’ business strategies, Gulfood Manufacturing will bring together high-powered purchasers from around the world to source the latest tools to aid their business efficiency – it is the perfect platform for Unifiller. We are looking to establish our presence in the UAE and beyond to provide regional food and baked goods producers with high quality, durable and versatile equipment that reduces product waste with minimal downtime and will significantly help regional businesses streamline their operations through increased production yield.”

Macpherson also noted a growing need for more hygienically-produced products in markets that are becoming more regulated. “Producers are looking for equipment solutions that prevent floor, hand or air contamination, and our equipment allow producers to deposit, fill and transfer products without human effort, thereby reducing contamination possibilities,” he added.

“The Middle East region, along with parts of Northern, Central and Southern Africa, have seen continued growth in the bakery industry and now is the right time for us to cater to the demands of this flourishing sector,” said Mark Salman, Managing Partner, Bakery Initiatives.

“Considering the immense opportunities available within the sector, Bakery Initiatives, as a one-stop solution provider, views Gulfood Manufacturing as the perfect springboard to meet and network with potential partners and showcase our expertise in offering tailor-made bakery consultancy services, bakery concepts and turn-key bakery solutions for new bakeries, as well as improving the overall performance of existing ones,” continued Salman.

The wide-ranging topics to be explored at the Bakery Innovations Summit cover Bakery Financials & Strategy, Hardware Innovations & Technology, and Industry Trends & Marketing. Topics include the ‘Power Of Wholegrains – Better Bakery Products For Consumer Well Being’, ‘Vacuum Cooling: The Golden Opportunity For Food Safety And Quality Improvement In Baked Goods’, ‘Why Book Keepers Should Not Make Business Decisions?’, ‘IT Solutions To Support International Safety And Traceability Regulations’, ‘Worldwide Trends In Food Industry’, and ‘Industrial Bakers & Artisan Bakers: A Profitable Partnership’.

“The global make-up of the Bakery Innovations Summit reflects the international standing of our debut Gulfood Manufacturing event,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC. “The show will establish instant credentials as a leading international platform for prominent food processors and manufacturers the world over to make strategic business improvement investments that will elevate their businesses to the next level in terms of production efficiency,” Trixie added.

Meanwhile, Mecatherm Group – a French manufacturer of ovens, machines and automatic production lines for industrial bakeries – will host a live demonstration of its innovative bakery equipment at the show. Among the products to be showcased are the Combi Bloc Oven and the Double Action Oven – adaptable machines which can produce everything from tinned bread and crusty baguettes to white loaves and pastries.

As the region’s largest-ever trade show debut, Gulfood Manufacturing will feature more than 1,100 global food manufacturers, suppliers and service providers, including a world-class line-up of international bakery brands including heavyweight North American manufacturing equipment companies such as Markel Bakery Group, Saudi Arabia’s Bakemate, a host of European bakery and confectionery firms including Mühlenchemie, DeutscheBack, SternEnzym and OlbrichtArom, as well as Taiwan’s Baker’s Kingdom International Inc.

Gulfood Manufacturing is open between 10am-6pm from 9-10 November and 10am-5pm on 11 November 2014 at DWTC.